Expansion of HIAS Work Decided on at Annual Meeting of Organization Held in New York

The continuation and expansion of the work of the Hebrew Sheltering and Immigrant Aid Society, (HIAS) the agency of American Jewry which functioned with great usefulness during the great immigration period, and performed a great service to the Jewish immigrants during the emergency period following the World War was decided upon at the seventeenth annual meeting of the society held last Sunday at Public School 62, New York, under the chairmanship of John L. Bernstein, president of the organization.

The meeting was attended by several hundred delegates and contributors. The proceedings were under the influence of the news received from Washington that the Sub-Committee of the Senate Committee on Immigration had rejected the Wadsworth Bill which aimed at securing the admission of the husbands, wives and minor children of citizens and declarants as non-quota immigrants. Expression was given to the feeling that an important chapter in the history of America and in the history of American Jewry has come to a close and that the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, because the strict limitation of the immigration possibilities in America had not removed the Jewish emigration problem but made it more acute than ever, has to continue its service, adapting it to the new conditions.

Honorable Harry E. Hull, Commissioner General of Immigration, John L. Bernstein, president of the Hias, Joseph Barondess, chairman of the Hias, Joseph Barondess, chairman of the Hias reorganization committee, Rev. Z. H. Masliansky, and Albert Rosenblatt addressed the meeting.

ORGANIZATION PLAN ADOPTED

The meeting adopted a proposal submitted to it by Mr. Barondess to amend the constitution of the Hias, with a view to strengthening its power and secure a national responsibility for it by the creation of a national advisory council.

The proposal as accepted reads:

1) "The National Advisory Council of Hias is to consist of two representatives from each national Jewish organization–excluding charitable and purely political organizations.

2) "Each National Jewish Organization is to be requested to designate or elect two representatives as members of the National Advisory Council, one member to serve for a term of one year and the other member for a term of two years. At the expiration of the first year and every year thereafter a member is to be designated or elected for a term of two years, such designations or elections to take place before May 1st of every year and the names and addresses of the representatives on the National Advisory Council be forwarded to Hias in New York.

3) "A member of the Hias may be a member of the National Advisory Council but non-membership in Hias shall not disqualify membership on the National Advisory Council.

4) "The designation or election of a member of the Advisory Council to the directorate of Hias shall terminate his membership on the Advisory Board and a new member is to be substituted in his stead by the organization he represented, for the unexpired term.

5) "Members of the National Advisory Council may be recalled by their respective organizations and others designated or elected in their places for the unexpired terms. In the case of death or resignation of a member, the organization affected is to designate or elect someone else for the unexpired term.

6) "The first meeting of the National Advisory Council is to be held at the Hias Building in New York as soon after a majority of the replies from the national Jewish organizations are received. The meeting is to be opened by the President of Hias. The first act shall be the election of a temporary chairman and temporary secretary. The President of Hias then vacates the chair and the meeting shall proceed with the election of permanent officers. The meeting shall also decide when and where the next meeting of the Council shall be held.

7) "The President of Hias or a delegation of directors of Hias, if the Board so decides, shall present at the first meeting of the National Advisory Council an annual report of Hias activities for the last year and at each meeting, thereafter, a report of Hias activities and a financial statement of Hias for the period covering since the last meeting of the Council. The National Advisory Council may, at its own initiative, consider matters pertaining to new activities of Hias or the discontinuance of old activities of Hias and submit its recommendations to the Hias Board of Directors.

8) "Once a year or oftener, if the occasion arises, a joint meeting of the Hias Board of Directors and of the National Advisory Council of Hias may be called at the request of either body.

9) "The National Advisory Council may, at any of its meetings, designate a committee for the purpose of examining the books, records and files of Hias, which committee is to report its findings to the next meeting or to a special meeting of the National Advisory Council. Any necessary expenditures incurred by this Committee shall be paid by Hias.

10) "At the mid-year meeting of the Council, a committee of five is to be appointed by the Chairmen which, in conjunction with a committee of five directors of Hias appointed by the President of Hias, shall pass upon the nominations and the qualifications of candidates for directorship on the Hias Board to be elected at the next annual meeting of Hias.

11) "The Secretary of Hias shall send, every month, to each member of the National Advisory Council a complete report of activities and a financial report of the Society.

12) "All expenses for meetings of the National Advisory Council, as well as transportation expenses of members of the Advisory Council residing outside of the city where the meeting is held are to be paid by Hias."

FUTURE WORK OUTLINED

The direction in which the future work of the Hias will be conducted, in addition to coping with the immediate problems of the service abroad and the immigration situation in this country, within the possibilities of the present immigration law, were outlined by John L. Bernstein, president of the Hias, in his report.

The extension of the service of the Hias to South America, Cuba and Palestine were pointed to. Mr. Bernstein, whose term expires at the end of April, declared in his report that personal considerations prevent him from continuing in office.

Commissioner General Hull, who came from Washington especially to address the meting, declared that the present selective restriction policy, as embodied in the act of 1924, is not in principle subject to discussion any more. He was in favor, however, of amending the law in such a manner that the unnecessary hardships imposed by it on many might be eliminated. He was in favor of the provisions of the Wads-worth-Perlman bills, he stated. He was also in favor of granting to American women citizens the same privilege, under the immigration law, which American men citizens now possess, with regard to bringing in their husbands as non-quota immigrants.

Reverend Masliansky, in a fiery speech, denounced the action of the restrictionists in rejecting the Wadsworth bill. "In Bible language, when the greatest injustice was to be pointed at, the words ‘stranger, widow and orphan’ were used. The Bible commanded hospitality to the stranger, widow and orphan. The restrictionists who flatly refused hospitality to the widows, the mothers of American citizens, to the minor children, the orphans, are committing this crying injustice.

"The father of this great American Republic," he exclaimed, pointing to the picture of George Washington which hung above the platform, "went on record to urge the people of this great Republic to adhere to this Biblical spirit of justice and his letter, which is exhibited in the Newport, R. I. synagogue, inviting the ‘Children of Israel’ to come and settle in this great country, is a constant challenge to those restrictionists who, in the name of one hundred per cent Americanism, endeavor to impose their policy on the American people," he stated.

Joseph Barondess in his address reviewed the change of heart that has come about in America with regard to immigrants, recalling the days of twenty-five years ago when meetings concerning the needs of immigrants and the problem of immigration, which contributed so largely to the prosperity and development of America, were held in the same hall in which yesterday’s meeting took place.

BARONDESS CRITICIZES AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR

He strongly criticized the American Federation of Labor for its attitude on the immigration question. Mr. Barondess charged that certain Jews holding high offices in civic life, which they attained due to their Jewish affiliation, have displayed such indifference to the needs and problems of Jews in America that it borders on the criminal.

The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society of America, however, must continue its service, Mr. Barondess declared. It must maintain its work of service for the Jewish wanderer, particularly now, when his problems and hardships are greater than ever, when immigration is necessary and a place of refuge is not easily found. "The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society must continue its work until that day when American freedom will return to its original glory," he declared.

The report of President Bernstein on the work of the Hias, relates the tragic story of how the Hias has decided to discontinue its work in Europe and how it was compelled to resume its activities under the pressure of the great need and the protest of Jewish public opinion.

PRESIDENT BERNSTEIN’S REPORT

"The Hias undertook its European work in an emergency and the intention was not to continue its work in Europe permanently but to withdraw as soon as conditions abroad among our people became normal, and local committees were financially able to take over the emigration work. It is for this reason that the United Jewish Emigration Committee (Emigdirect) was organized, which is a federation of emigration committees in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Roumania and Danzig. This federation of committees has been receiving its sole financial support from Hias," the report stated.

"Some of our members do not fully realize the beneficent and important work which is done by Hias in Europe through the Emigdirect. They imagine that the reduction of Jewish immigration to the United States has relieved Hias of most of its financial burdens, and they therefore feel themselves justified in diminishing their support. In view of this, and after a great deal of deliberation, the Board of Directors decided to withdraw from Europe and advised the Emigdirect accordingly. The answer to this decision was a deluge of protests against the decision and of appeals for the continuation of the work.

"The appeals were obviously due to the deplorable condition in which our European brethren found themselves. The economic, political and racial situation had made it necessary for our people to uproot themselves and to go to any country which offered them an opportunity for peaceful settlement and eventual economic independence. Hundreds had sold their belongings and broken up their homes and were ready to depart–but whereto? These people required information and advice on conditions in countries to which they might be admitted; they needed direction; they needed assistance in the preparation of the necessary legal papers; they required representation before government officials; protection of their rights; defence against exploitation.

"Public opinion thus emphatically delivered by Jewry abroad, and the reaction the decision had in this country through the press and otherwise, could not be disregarded. The Board of Directors therefore resumed its deliberations on the European question. Opinions were solicited, every statement and report was well considered, and finally it was decided that Hias continue its work in Europe, looking after the welfare of the emigrants throughout Poland, Roumania, Latvia, Lithuania, Free City of Danzig, in Paris, at the ports of France, in far off Harbin, China and in Constantinople."

JOINT HIAS-ZIONIST PALESTINE IMMIGRATION OFFICE PLANNED

Pointing to Palestine and South America, where Jewish emigrants may be directed, Mr. Bernstein said, "In its efforts to find new homes for those who are forced to emigrate from their places of abode, the Board of Directors of Hias took under consideration the possibility of aiding the settlement of emigrants in Palestine. We found that American residents who knew that they could not bring their kin into this country were willing to pay for their transportation to Palestine, and to give them a helping hand to settle there.

"The Hias had several conferences with the Zionist Organization of America with a view of inaugurating the immigration work in Palestine jointly. It is contemplated that a Palestine Immigration Bureau, under the joint auspices of the Zionist Organization and Hias should be created to assist in the immigration in to Palestine of European relatives of American residents. After this Bureau will have functioned for a reasonable time, and sufficient data gathered, a commission will visit London and Palestine to arrange for the expansion of this work in Palestine, and open a permanent office there. We believe that it will be possible to direct a considerable number of relatives of American residents to Palestine, and settle them there.

"For the past few years there has been a marked increase in Jewish immigration to South American countries, and the outlook is that this stream of immigration will continue. To lend these immigrants such assistance as they may require in their new homes and offer them the same protection as the immigrants elsewhere receive, Hias resolved to cooperate with South American organizations interested in immigrant welfare. Our aid will enable them to enlarge their work, and to meet the needs of the new arrivals and help them adapt themselves to their new environments. In places where there are no such agencies, Hias will take the necessary steps to create committees and open offices to do this work.

EUROPEAN OFFICES TO ASSIST EMIGRATION TO PALESTINE AND SOUTH AMERICA

"The European offices of Hias will act as counselling and directing agencies for emigrants whose destination is Palestine and South America.

"The number of Jewish aliens who were admitted to the United States during the year was 14,125, of whom 10,697 were immigrant aliens and 3,428 non-immigrant aliens. Many, in addition to receiving the usual attention, required special attention at the piers, at the ports of entry and at Washington. Hias workers met 469 steamers carrying Jewish passengers upon their arrival at the port of New York. Jewish immigrants entitled to admission at the pier were discharged to the custody of Hias by government officials. Of the immigrants so discharged, some were turned over to relatives waiting at the piers, others taken to the Hias home from which they were taken to their relatives in this city or entrained to destinations outside of New York."

Speaking of the financial status of the Hias, the president’s report stated:

"The proper execution of the many tasks of Hias makes it necessary for it to have adequate support. Work in Palestine and South America are new responsibilities which must be met. In addition, the pledge to the Emergency Committee, the Emigdirect, and the Jewish Committee for Cuba must be kept. Hias has no endowment funds. Its existence–its budget–depends on the voluntary contributions it receives from American Jewry. In 1925, against receipts of $381,549.34, Hias expended $404,961.19, of which $204,856.14 represents appropriations to the following: Emergency Committee on Jewish Refugees, $46,666.66; Jewish Committee for Cuba, $16,932.38; Emigdirect and European offices, $95,238.26; Information Bureau, Harbin, China, $600; Ellis Island Bureau, $11,059.42; Washington Bureau, $12,475.66; and branches in this country, $21,883.76. A deficit of $23,411.85 was incurred. If Hias is to continue to function properly, to be in a position to carry out its new undertakings, and to be able to respond to such emergencies as may arise, American Jewry must increase its support. American Jewry has stood by Hias in the past. It will, I am sure, be with Hias now. For a detailed statement of the income and expenses and the sources of the income, may I commend your attention to the reports of the Treasurer, Mr. Harry Fischel, and to the report of the Chairman of the Membership Committee, Mr. Albert Rosenblatt.

"Among the important activities of Hias is the transmission of funds. The continuation of this activity however, depends on the continuation of the European activities of Hias. At the time when we had under consideration the cessation of European activities, we planned, as well, to discontinue the Hias Immigrant Bank, but since the decision has been made to remain in Europe as heretofore, the Bank will continue to function. Hias will now continue the remittance work for the same reason for which it was started, namely to safeguard the funds of the remittances in United States currency. The confidence reposed in Hias is evident by the fact the last year 53,175 remittances were received for transmission to Poland, Roumania. Latvia, Lithuania. Danzig and Russia, and that $2,173,137.04 was transmitted. Since the inception of this activity in April, 1920, $24,512,185.26 was sent across, involving 228,836 cases. Although nearly $25,000,000 were transmitted, no remitter or remitter suffered loss of a penny.

"With the inauguration of work in Palestine and in South America, the activity of the Hias Immigrant Bank will undoubtedly be extended to these countries."

The president in his message included the following statistics showing the work done during 1925 by Hias in in New York: 63,052 persons received counsel on divers subjects; 37,951 letters, 577 telegrams and 383 cables were received all of which received attention and answered; 2391 affidavits for citizens and declarants; 2064 petitions to the Labor Department were made for the granting of non-quota and preference visas, 425 applications for permits to reenter the United States were prepared and in 1404 cases translations of legal documents were made and certified. A majority of the 14,125 Jewish aliens passed through Ellis Island, practically all of whom received one service or another from the Ellis Island Bureau of Hias. Of the entire number, only 93 were deported. A kosher kitchen is conducted on Ellis Island under the supervision of Hias which employs the personnel. There were 533 Jewish patients in the hospital on the Island and these were visited and given spiritual comfort.

The clearance center for all immigration matters, for the solution of legall difficulties in the admission of immigrants, of pasport and visa tangles, is the Bureau at Washington. Appeals from exclusions of immigrants at ports of entry, except in cases of mandatory exclusion, are referred to the Washington office for presentation and argument before the Board of Review. In 273 cases the Washington representative appeared and argued the appeals, with the result that in 199 cases the exclusion was reversed and the immigrants ordered admitted. In 56 cases the exclusion was affirmed, 12 cases were withdrawn, and 6 cases remained pending as of December 31, 1925.

CITIZENSHIP CLASSES

The Citizenship Department in 1925 assisted 9,135 persons to become citizens. Of these, 4,160 were helped to obtain their first papers, and 4,525 their second papers; 1,320 records of arrivals were verified from the Hias files, such records being necessary in obtaining the papers. Inquiries, totalling 5,622, relative to citizenship were answered in person and by mail. The Citizenship Classes held 196 sessions with an attendance of 1,760.

Food and shelter were provided by the Shelter Department not only for the immigrant but for the wayfarer and the needy.

During the year immigrants were sheltered for 2,434 nights, and wayfarers and homeless persons for 4,997 nights; 811 immigrants stayed for the day only, being discharged to relatives the same day; 11,517 meals were served to immigrants; 40,044 meals were served to wayfarers and to homeless men, women and children. Packages of food were given to all immigrants entraining for out-of-town destinations.

The Employment Bureau, at the disposal of immigrants and wayfarers, found employment for 3,523 applicants.

The report of the treasurer, Mr. Harry Fischel, showed the income of the Hias for the year was $381,5349.334 and an expenditure of $43034,961.19.

The branches of Hias at Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle rendered service similar to that given at New York to the residents of their respective cities and to the immigrants arriving at or passing through them.

Mr. Albert Rosenblatt reporting for the Membership Committee, stated:

"Our records show that Hias has 156,760 individual contributors who are annual subscribers and donors, and has 4,919 organization contributors. The greater part of the money raised had to be obtained through individual solicitation, although at least four requests for renewals of contributions were made through the mail. These figures, I believe, indicate to some extent the difficult problem which we faced last year.

"Although we have this large number of contributors on our rolls, many fail to realize that the financial need of Hias must be met promptly, and consequently they delay sending in their contributions. Many of our contributors, I am sorry to say, have not yet sent in their contributions for last year.

"We have never ceased to look forward to the day when Hias will be able to discontinue its present method of raising funds, but the time has not yet come, and until it does arrive we have no other alternative but to call continuously upon our people and to urge them to help their less fortunate brethren. Hias has no endowment funds upon which it can draw for its maintenance; its contributions are not large–the average contribution is $4.51–the number of legacies willed to Hias is small–during the last year only $6,232.28. It is therefore incumbent upon us to go to you members and friends for the financial support of Hias.

"We have always signified our willingness to subscribe to any movement which would put on a higher plane the collection of funds for national institutions. We have participated in all the conferences called by the National Conference of Jewish Social Service for the creation of a national budget system and we stand ready to continue to do our full share in this connection. Till then, of course, there can be no change in the present manner of raising funds. I do feel, however, that the Federated Philanthropic Societies throughout the country who have endorsed and are supporting the plan for a national budget system, should, until the plan has been perfected and put into effect, help help the Society to obtain funds from their respective communities. We have sometimes found our fundraising efforts blocked by local Federations and we feel that their action is unjustly discriminatory to other communities who are generous supporters of Hias, to the Society and to those who require its services."

The following were elected members of the Board of Directors: Dr. B. B. Berkowitz, John L. Bernstein, Max Blumberg, Harry P. Fierst, Israel Friedkin, Adolph Held, Elias W. Lewin-Epstein, Harris Linetzky, Rabbi M. S. Margolies, Jacob Massel, Max Meyerson, Nathan Schoenfeld and Abraham I. Spiro.

Telegrams of greetings were received from the Emigdirect, the United Jewish Emigration Committee in Berlin, representing Jewish emigration societies in Latvia, Lithuania and other European countries, and the Club of Jewish Deputies in the Polish Sejm, the Jewish Emigration Society in Poland.

Cantor P. Jassinowsky sang Jewish folk songs and the "Star Spangled Banner."